Looking forward to next season

Although we are only just approaching the height of summer, we at Fresh are already thinking about next season and busy visiting trade shows where we can see new products and plants that are going to be next years ‘must haves!’

Last week I visited the National Plant Show at Stoneleigh where I saw some absolutely lovey new plants that I am sure are going to be instant favourites. Among the stars was a stunning new bush type Honeysuckle. Bearing the familiar, highly scented, honeysuckle flowers, this compact bush was a mass of pink and white blooms and would be ideal growing in a pot which you could position close to a doorway, so you are always going to get a lovely waft of scent through an open door or window. I was also very taken with a beautiful double white Hydrangea, so new it doesn’t yet have a name, but looks likely to be called Hydrangea Wedding Gown. With its frothy mass of pure white flowers there couldn’t be a more apt name!

This week attention turns to garden furniture with a visit to the NEC in Birmingham to select the ranges for next season – always a difficult task. Garden furniture is a big investment, both for us and you, so we need to make sure we get it right! Personally, I don’t think you can go wrong with resin wicker furniture which combines the classic look of real wicker with super low maintenance and all weather durability. I’m sure we are going to see some fabulous new styles when we visit the show, so look out for the new ranges making an appearance at Fresh next spring.

Last of my trips this month will be to the incredible show grounds of Ball Colegrave the commercial seed and young plant producers. They provide many bedding plant growers in the UK with plug plants for growing on into saleable plants for next season and we will have the chance to see all the new varieties at their site near Banbury. The trail grounds are open to trade customers only, but on 20th July there is an Open Evening for the public and it is well worth going if you can. The spectacular grounds cover over 4 acres and as well as being able to see all the new plant introductions, there are patio and garden displays and the largest display of hanging baskets and planted containers anywhere in the country.. Details can be found at http://www.ballcolegrave.co.uk/Gardeners/_PublicOpenDay.aspx

We would love to hear from you if you have seen anything you think we should be stocking next year- do let us know your thoughts and ideas. And if you’re planning any garden visits this summer send us some pictures or post them on our Facebook page, we love seeing your garden snaps!

Let’s hope July brings a bit more sunshine than June managed and at last we get a bit of a chance to enjoy some time relaxing in the garden. What can be more pleasant than sitting in the garden on a warm summer afternoon, cup of tea in hand and just listening to the birds – roll on summer!